chicken
chicken at Alektorophobia is a file of 240 stories. The newest of them: “Suzie's Feeling Fowl: Is Our Queen Chickening Out?”, “Cluck-tastic Identity Crisis: Is Our Hen a Secret Rooster?”, and “Coop Dreams & Chicken Woes: A Beginner's Tale”. Oh, Suzie. There's nothing like a 7 a.m. Chickens. Everything there is to know about chickens and the fear of them. The list below is every chicken story on Alektorophobia, newest first.

Suzie's Feeling Fowl: Is Our Queen Chickening Out?
Oh, Suzie. Our girl's having a rough day, and honestly, I feel for her, and for you. Seeing your usually sprightly queen looking a bit *off* is enough to make any chicken parent's heart do a little fowl-flip. You've painted a cluck-tastic picture of a hen who's just not herself: the longer-than-usual egg-laying, the ruffled feathers, and the solo time away from the flock. Given your history, mites, raccoons, and now a persistent rat problem, it's no wonder you're on high alert. That opossum sighting on camera? Yeah, I'd be watching the coop like a hawk, too. Your gut instinct to ask for advice is spot-on. We've seen similar stories with our own flock, and sometimes it's just a quirky phase.

Cluck-tastic Identity Crisis: Is Our Hen a Secret Rooster?
There's nothing like a 7 a.m. wake-up call that sounds suspiciously like a rooster when you were promised a hen. This little lady, all 7 months of her, has been strutting and crowing like she owns the coop, and honestly? I respect the confidence. But it does raise the eternal backyard poultry question: is she a secret rooster, or just a hen with serious main character energy? The community's been here before, trading tales of hens who crow and roosters who stay quiet. It's a cluck-tastic mystery, and we're all invested. If you're new to the chaos, our piece on a backyard poultry adventure might feel right at home. Either way, this feathered friend is keeping things egg-citing.

Coop Dreams & Chicken Woes: A Beginner's Tale
Losing nine chicks overnight after a week of careful brooding is the kind of heartbreak that makes you want to chuck the thermometer across the garage. You did everything right: ran the heater for 24 hours, followed that build video to the letter, even upgraded to the fancy incubator after the first batch didn't make it. And still, five little survivors are all you have left to show for it. That's brutal. Here's the thing about those Hatching Time brooders: they're drafty by design, and if your garage has an AC leak turning things clammy, that top layer might be holding moisture like a sponge.

Our Porch Now a Chicken Ark: Flood Survivor Needs Help!
Well, imagine our surprise when a flood delivers a chicken to your porch. That's not exactly a "cluck-tastic" delivery, but here we are. This poor feathered friend clearly needs a helping hand, and you're stuck playing makeshift rescuer until the vet opens. You can't bring it inside, which makes things trickier, but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Focus on keeping it dry, warm, and calm. A cardboard box with some towels and a shallow water dish should do the trick. It's a wild situation, but your quick thinking is something to crow about. For those of you who've been through our "Chickens Got Her Good!" adventure, you know these birds are resilient. Hang in there, and good luck!

JLo: My friendliest feathered diva, cluck-tastically!
Some chickens are aloof. Some are downright suspicious of your every move. But JLo? JLo is the friendliest feathered diva I've met yet, and honestly, I'm a little jealous of the bond. It's a rare, beautiful thing when a hen decides you're her person. This breed clearly knows how to pick a pal. It's cluck-tastic to see one so bold and social, especially when many of us are used to a bit of fowl play just to get close. If you're wondering if all chickens have this much personality, just check out our piece on six fluffy chicks hatching. But for now, let's give it up for JLo, the chicken who's more outgoing than most people I know.

Cluck! What's Up With My Chicken? Send Help (and Advice)!
There's nothing quite like that heart-drop moment when you look at your flock and just *know* something's off. So, you've spotted a problem with your chicken, and now you're here, worried sick and probably Googling at 2 a.m. Hey, we've all been there. Chickens are masterful at hiding their ailments until they just can't anymore, which makes playing backyard vet a genuine thrill ride. The good news? You're not alone. Our feathered friends keep us on our toes, and sometimes the best medicine is a little shared wisdom from folks who've been pecked at by fate before. For a lighter take on the chaos, you might get a kick out of "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure.

Left in Question: 14 Weeks of Feathered Fowl Play
Ah, the eternal backyard question: hen or rooster? At 14 weeks, you're right in the thick of the "feathered teen" phase, where things get interesting. The picture shows two birds, same age, but the one on the left is throwing some serious "am I a boy?" vibes. Let's just say, if that one starts perfecting its crow, you'll have your answer. It's a cluck-tastic mystery, and honestly, the suspense is half the fun. For anyone else navigating the fine art of chicken sleuthing, our piece on "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure" might just ruffle your feathers in the best way. For now, keep an eye on those saddle feathers and that confident strut.

Tail Feathers Tell Tall Tales, But That Tiny Comb Says Hold On
Well, isn't that just the classic feathered fib? You ordered ten lovely ladies, and one of them decided to show up with the swagger of a tiny, blue-egg-laying disappointment. I feel for you, truly. There's nothing quite like the surprise of a rogue rooster when you've specifically requested a hen party. But here's the thing, your instincts are spot on. Those tail feathers are practically screaming "rooster," even if the comb hasn't quite caught up yet. The lack of a crow and a small comb at four months is a bit of a curveball, but sometimes these boys are just late bloomers. It's a bummer about the blue eggs, though.

Biscuit's tiny, mighty, and proving big things come in small clucks! 🐥❤️
Biscuit is the tiny terror of the brooder, and I am absolutely here for it. At two weeks old, he's rocking that classic Silkie runt energy: noticeably smaller than his fluffball siblings, but clearly running the show on pure spite and snack motivation. The fact that he's eating, drinking, and bouncing around like a caffeinated popcorn kernel? That's the good stuff. I love that you're celebrating his little streak instead of worrying over it. Runt chickens are a whole mood, and honestly, they often end up with the biggest personalities. Whether he catches up or stays permanently pocket-sized, Biscuit is proof that good things come in small, very dramatic packages. For anyone who's ever nursed a tiny chick, this hits right in the feels.

Stormy Skies, Unruffled Hens: Coop Cam Captures Calm
There's something honestly egg-citing about watching your hens face their first real thunderstorm, especially when you live in the Southwest where rain is about as rare as a quiet rooster. This coop cam footage is pure gold, not just for the cluck-tastic views, but because it shows these feathered friends handling the sudden heavy downpour like absolute troopers. I'm genuinely relieved they seem unbothered, though I suspect they're secretly filing a complaint about the lack of warning system. It's a playful peek into their world, and I can't help but chuckle picturing them giving you the side-eye tomorrow, probably demanding treats for their bravery. For more feathered fun, you might enjoy our piece on tiny Marans Froment chicks, who are currently napping in pure bliss.

The Cluck-Tastic Case of the Mysterious Eye Cyst: Any Chicken Experts?
Well, cluck me sideways, finding a mystery bump on your hen's face is enough to make anyone's feathers ruffle. This poor girl's hiding in the coop, still sipping water and strutting around like nothing's wrong, but that little cyst near her eye? That's a head-scratcher. You drained it and got clear liquid, which honestly sounds more like a harmless blister or a clogged gland than something sinister, but I'm no vet, just a fellow chicken parent who's seen a thing or two. The good news? She's acting fine, and that's half the battle. As for spreading to the flock, keep an eye on the others, but don't panic yet. If you're after more poultry peace of mind, our piece "Chickens Got Her Good!

Rescued Roadside Chicken Ruffles Feathers, Earns a Coop Stay
Well, color me cluck-tastic and a little concerned. Finding a hen abandoned in a pet carrier on the side of the road in 95-degree weather? That's not just fowl play, that's a straight-up mystery with feathers. I love that you brought her in and set up a quarantine zone. Smart move, especially since your current flock probably doesn't need any surprise drama. It's a bummer the respiratory and "forever disease" panels are pricey, but you're right to be cautious. Maybe a local vet or farm supply store has more budget-friendly options if you ask around. She's a lucky girl to have found you. For more heartwarming rescue stories, check out "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure.
Cluck-tastic: 24/7 Livestream of Peckington Square's Feathered Frenzy
There's a whole feathered metropolis waiting for you, and it's live, 24/7. Welcome to Peckington Square, where the clucks are loud, the pecking order is ruthless, and the drama is always egg-stremely fresh. We're talking nonstop chicken TV: lazy afternoon dust baths, sudden sprints across the yard, and those intense staring contests that only a rooster could win. It's equal parts hilarious and humbling. If you've ever wondered what it's like to live with a flock that runs on chaos and crumble, this is your front-row seat. For a little more feathered inspiration, check out our story "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure." Grab a snack, settle in, and try not to chicken out.

One Moody Hen, or a Rainbow of Egg-citing Possibilities?
Well, color me cluck-tastic, this is one egg-citing mystery! So, you've got a hen who's clearly committed to keeping you on your toes, huh? Those two eggs on the right, collected back to back, looking darker each time? And then this morning's pair, after a day off, are lighter? Honestly, that's not as fowl-play as you'd think. Hens can totally vary their pigment, especially early in their laying cycle, and it's not unheard of for the shade to shift between lays. It's like she's painting a little masterpiece every other day, just for you. If you're worried, though, don't be, it's usually just her quirky, feathery self. For more feathered friend fun, you might cluck over to our piece on those tiny Marans Froment chicks.

Bumblefoot's Back? How to Handle a Feathered Friend's Fowl Foot Fiasco
Well, here's the thing about bumblefoot: it's the gift that keeps on giving, and not in a cluck-tastic way. Your 15-month-old hen finished her antibiotics, and that swelling is still hanging around like a stubborn rooster at dawn. You're doing everything right with the Epsom salt soaks and Prid, but that kernel might be tucked deeper than the opening suggests, especially since it's toward the back of the pad. If she's not limping, that's a good sign, but patience only works if the infection is actually draining outward. Sometimes the body needs a little more help to push things to the surface, and a vet might need to surgically remove that kernel if it's not budging.
Tune in 24/7 to the cluck-tastic chaos of Peckington Square's feathered finery
There's something oddly hypnotic about watching chickens do absolutely nothing, and Peckington Square's new 24/7 livestream captures that magic perfectly. I mean, sure, you might tune in expecting some high-octane fowl action, but you'll stay for the gentle chaos of feathers and the occasional dramatic squawk. It's like reality TV, but with more pecking and less drama. If you've ever wondered what our feathered friends get up to when we're not looking, this cam's got you covered. And hey, if you're still a little chicken about the whole poultry thing, our piece "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure" might just ease you into the coop. Cluck-tastic viewing awaits!

When the Rooster Crows, But the Chickens Just Roll Their Eyes
Well, isn't this the eternal question that's been clucking around in all our heads? When you've got a bird that's part feathered friend and part mystery, you start to wonder if your coop is hiding a secret roo. It's the classic fowl play of chicken keeping, and honestly, it's an egg-citing puzzle to crack. I love how this story leans into that relatable uncertainty, the kind that makes you stare at a comb a little too long and question everything. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just dipping a toe into the flock, this story hits that perfect balance of humor and genuine curiosity.
Tune into Peckington Square's feathered fiesta, live and egg-stra chaotic
There's a spot in Peckington Square where the clucking never stops, and honestly, that's exactly how we like it. Our 24/7 livestream cam gives you a front-row seat to all the fowl play, from feathery dust baths to dramatic pecking order debates. It's equal parts charming and chaotic, much like our own backyard adventures. If you've ever wondered what these feathered friends are really plotting, you'll want to keep watching. And hey, if you're new to this whole chicken thing, our piece on "Chickens Got Her Good!" is a hilarious reminder that these birds don't mess around. So settle in, hit that live feed, and let's see who rules the roost today.
The Great Egg-scape: A Vanishing Hen and a Freshly Laid Clue
Four days without a single sighting, and then this: a nest with three perfectly fresh eggs. That's not just a disappearing act; that's a full-blown fowl mystery. I'm with you on the police-style investigation, complete with neighbor interrogations and guard check-ins. It's the only sane way to handle a feathered friend who's clearly up to something. The egg buoyancy test is a smart clue, but here's the thing: hens are sneaky little cluckers. She might have a second hideaway stash that's so well-concealed, even your garden is keeping its beak shut. Abandoning a fresh nest? That's odd, unless she felt spooked or just got a wild hair mid-brood. Don't lose hope yet. Sometimes they reappear with a dramatic "what?" look like nothing happened.

Hen-Parent SOS: When Your Feathered Friend's Legs Say "Nope
There's nothing quite like the panic of watching a feathered friend stop moving. When a chicken won't walk for a few days, it's enough to make anyone's heart sink into their boots. I've been there, and it's a special kind of helplessness. You've done your research on Marek's disease, and it's smart to notice there aren't other symptoms, but that doesn't make the waiting any easier. It's a real puzzle, and not the fun, egg-hunting kind. I'd be tempted to do a gentle check for injuries, like a swollen joint or a bumblefoot, since sometimes the issue is more obvious than we think. If she's still not perking up, a vet visit is never chickening out; it's just being a good human.

This silky little mix is pure egg-citing cuteness, no fowl play.
Well, look at that little bearded puffball! This tiny mix hatched a couple weeks ago and got the absolute best parenting gig in the coop: a Silky mama raised her. I mean, could there be a fluffier, more ridiculous combo? She's all wispy beard and baby fuzz, and honestly, she's the perfect cure for anyone needing a quick chicken-induced smile. There's something so endearing about a Silky-raised chick; they get that extra dose of maternal weirdness, and it shows. If you're in need of a feathered pick-me-up, this one's got you covered. And hey, if you're hooked on chick cuteness, our piece on "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure" is a fine follow-up for your daily cluck of joy.
A Pecking Problem: Wound Care Tips for Your Brave Hen
Well, look at you, already spotting the trouble spots in your first flock. That's half the battle, honestly. A coyote bite that's not healing and is getting pecked at? That's a classic case of "fowl play" turning into a bigger headache. Two weeks is a while for a wound to still be open, even if she seemed fine after the initial scare. The limp disappearing is great, but that back wound is the real story here. Pecking at it just makes things worse, so you're right to be concerned. My advice? Get her to a vet who knows birds. That bite is likely deeper than it looks, and infections love to hide.

Twix Found the High Ground, and Honestly? Fair.
Twix has decided the top of the new coop is her personal throne, and honestly? I respect the strategy. When you're the low bird on the totem pole, you gotta find altitude to escape the drama. She gets picked on, so she hops up there to chill, but here's the kicker: she hops down when I close up for the night, just to eat. It's a little sad, but the pecking order isn't going to magically fix itself unless I'm ready to stage a coup and, you know, thin the flock by 75%. That's a hard pass. I feel for the little lady, but her survival instincts are honestly kind of egg-cellent.

Sebright Seagull Sounds: Normal Bird Brains or Fowl Play?
A seagull in the chicken coop, huh? That's a first. Your 19-week-old Sebright has been strutting around like she owns the place, and now she's suddenly channeling her inner shorebird. I get it, that noise is jarring, especially when you're just getting to know this breed. But honestly, it sounds like you might have a little fowl play on your hands. That seagull squawk is often a rooster's crow in training, and at 19 weeks, a late bloomer like that isn't unusual. Don't panic yet, though. Give her a few more days to see if she's just finding her voice or if she's actually a he.